At the time of the Award, Jamal P. Dickerson was:

Biographical Information

Affectionately known as "Mr. D" to the students at Creative Arts High School in Camden, instrumental music teacher and director of bands Jamal Dickerson has helped many young people develop a love of music and the ability to perform it at a high level of excellence. A product of Camden City Public Schools, Dickerson has led his music students to victory at numerous competitions, including first place at Berklee College of Music's High Jazz Festival in Boston and first and second place in their division at the New Jersey International Association for Jazz Education. Using an interdisciplinary approach to classroom instruction, Dickerson has not only taught students how to read and perform music, but has helped them improve their math scores as well. He has received official proclamations and citations for outstanding achievement from state and federal legislators, and has been honored by the City of Camden and its Board of Education for his accomplishments. In addition to teaching music at Creative Arts High School, Dickerson and his family own a nonprofit community center in Camden, where they teach performing arts and developmental programs.